Here we are together again. MJ has been baking cookies. It feels like Christmas all over again. January passes quickly. But then again, don’t they all. We sally forth into the void of 2026. We had an ice storm a year ago. Limbs filled the yard. The Old Man does not like ice…hard to walk on…breaks ribs. Once, many years ago, I turned around on campus when it was obvious that I could not walk to class. It is important to know your limitations. It is going to warm up again. Sixties are in the forecast next week. Beware of Trojan Horses.

The rhythms of life carry us forward. Our sense of place grounds us. Change awaits us. We live our lives in micro while we watch the macro machinations of our government. Each of us must meet the challenge in our own way. What do we encounter that we have the power to do something about? That is our mission. Feed the babies, walk the dog, work a 9-to-5 job, and help our neighbor. The lonely watch us with wide, sad eyes. Forgotten and marginalized with no voice or advocate. We can be their voice. We can welcome them to our table for a New Year’s Lunch. Let us include them in our games, sports, movie time, and church. Church is a lovely social situation. Many who are shut in or without friends would love to be asked. Friendly folks dispel loneliness and depression. ‘Welcome the stranger for we were all strangers once.’

‘The spirit of Christmas is still with us,’ Jane said. ‘I feel it just like I did in December,’ Jane continued. ‘I saw Lester at Mr. Munchies eating a hamburger for his breakfast and invited him to play board games with us on Sunday,’ Jane smiled. ‘I told him there would be refreshments and he would be our special guest,’ Jane danced on one foot and then the other. ‘This shall be the Year Of The Forgotten,’ Jane proclaimed.

‘Rosie and Abigail are coming to Game Day on Sunday as well,’ Neva J said. ‘Rosie told me that it felt like Christmas in January to her,’ Neva J laughed. ‘Rosie wants to meet Lester and is rosy cheeked at the possibility,’ Neva J winked.

The Woods was inviting and renewing. The Old Man’s thoughts were of events past and the exciting future. Mystery revealed awaits us. We are becoming acquainted with ourselves. Knowing who you are and being comfortable in your sense of place is vital to success in 2026. We are new. Our dedication is fresh for the New Year. No more doing things as we have in the past. We have a 2026 way of thinking. We are people of the now. The past is past; we look to today. Our opinions given to us by others are not a passport for the New Year. We must think outside the Box. The Old Man is a bit of a Crumudgeon. He believes in speaking up. He does not accept being marginalized. He does not countenance being ignored or pigeonholed.

Speaking up and being heard can set you apart from the crowd. If you choose to be accepted by the group, you may want to reconsider expressing your thoughts. If you want to be true to yourself, speak your truth. Honesty is the best policy until it is not. This is how many are left in the shadows. The poor of the land sit quietly as the rich and powerful and elite and club members decide their fate. They have been trained to not speak unless spoken to. They understand their betters have the answers, and their opinions do not count. Until they raise their unheard voices. Then the dynamic changes. Then the answers to problems materialize. Then the voice of the rest of us is heard. Surprise ensues. Who spoke, asks the leader? Do they have the right to speak, or shall we look at the parliamentary rules of conduct to squash their simple protestations?

So we live in a quandary of keeping the powerful happy and secure or speaking our truth. 2026 will require all to speak and none to remain silent. The problems are too great. The solutions are not evidenced by the powerful. We must stand up as servant/leaders and say what we have been thinking and believing. The issues are bigger than all of us, and all of us must participate in the solutions. The elite will say Do not speak yield the floor to the wise and learned. They have been trained and educated, and by virtue of their high birth are genetically qualified to solve the knotty issues facing us.

The Old Man thought of his life. He had spoken to the rich and powerful. He did not hold back. The Old Man had spoken truth to power.

We woke from our celebration to see that tomorrow had become today. No trumpets blew nor claxon called. Deliberate simplicity ruled. We walked in on stocking feet, quietly, slowly, and with purpose. The beginning of a book is exciting. The first page caught our attention. New characters are in our story. A mystery awaits solution. How shall we proceed? Where are the open doors? The Gift has begun. So much to do, so little time. The great days are here. The days of wine and roses. Will we feel with our heart or our head? Shall we do each task as we did, or perhaps change some for a better result? Change is a spice in life. Change creates possibilities not apparent.

‘We look forward, we look back, we seldom look at the moment,’ Chet said. ‘Today the world is our playground, our home, our family,’ Chet mused. ‘Christmas is over and yet Christmas is coming,’ Chet winked. ‘We live on a vinyl phonograph record and what was will be what is,’ Chet laughed. ‘Will the record play different songs if we embrace positive change?’ Chet asked. ‘Suddenly, the combination lock opened with the change in the numbers,’ Chet noted. ‘Minor alterations in behaviour create major changes and opportunities,’ Chet explained. ‘We wait for someone to be the catalyst when we have the first starter,’ Chet said. ‘Growing in proactive faith is at the grassroots, not top down,’ Chet noted with some satisfaction.

‘The Service will begin soon, welcome to the Church In The Woods,’ the Preacher said with a smile. ‘Those who would be a fake peacemaker are gathering additional nuclear bombs,’ the Preacher noted. ‘Peace does not come from killing; unity is not a product of destruction,’ the Preacher explained. ‘So many are fearful, ragged and hungry with no place to rest their heads,’ the Preacher said. ‘Prosperity and peace are promised for the rich while the poor remain in the shadows,’ the Preacher continued. ‘Some would have us believe that money is the sign of God’s blessing and the lack thereof as his curse,’ the Preacher said. ‘Money has nothing to do with the servant/leadership message of God,’ the Preacher noted. ‘He that is greatest among you let him be the servant of all,’ the Preacher said. ‘We are here to wait and watch and act for good in the midst of evil and false prophecies,’ the Preacher whispered. ‘Today we work for peace, a sense of place when so many have lost their GPS and their way, they do not know if they are going west or east, nor really what is up and down or right from wrong,’ the Preacher said.

‘You know it is easier to have the Leader do our thinking for us,’ the Follower said. ‘It seems the Leader knows best and will rid us of all the undesirables,’ the Follower said. ‘Once we were promised a chicken in every pot and a car in every driveway, but now we can not afford the chicken nor the driveway for the car,’ the Follower said. ‘Yet the Leader must be right…isn’t he,’ the Follower asked.

Fernie sang Auld Lang Syne each New Year’s Eve. She sang it with the passion of the Greatest Generation. Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians performed it on New Year’s Eve. The Scottish song title means ‘old long since’ or for old times’ sake. It is considered the New Year’s Eve Song.

‘Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot In the days of auld lang syne?’

‘For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet For the sake of auld lang syne.’

‘And surely, you will buy your cup, And surely, I’ll buy mine! We’ll take a cup of kindness yet For the sake of auld lang syne.’

‘We two who’ve paddled in the stream From morning sun ’till night The seas between us roared and swelled Since the days of auld lang syne.’

So, one door is almost closed, and a new door is open. What will we do with a wealth of days? Shall we sit in the rocking chair on our front porch and watch the world go by? Each New Year’s Eve, we have, until now, been given such riches and thought little of them. We assume they will always be there. Has it not been so? Days to learn compassion and to love more. Days to study how to be small to be big. Days when those whom we do not know well look to us for understanding, and we are busy. Days when some people do not fit into the plan.

Tomorrow is another day…until it isn’t. The Watchers are watching. How will we do with another bag of gold called time? More wine, more food, more fun, some say. Live today for tomorrow we die. Others say, ‘Let me work quietly in the field of the needy without fanfare or recognition.’ Will we spend our gift of time helping those who do not know our name or station? Will we expect from others what we are not willing to give in return?

The Weaver is working, and the loom is flying like a shuttle. Which wool yarn will she use for the master rug? How will it add to the overall pattern and plan of the fabric art? What is our perception of the Rug Weaver? Shall we continue to observe with fascination, or shall we learn how to operate the Loom?

The Woods were clear and cold with a brilliant blue sky. Deer roamed freely without fear of the orange vests. The Woods look different in the sunlight. Most things do. So it goes with our complex lives. What seems dim in the shadows is revealed in the light. Off we go into the wild blue yonder. 2026 is upon us, and we barely knew 2025. Most tell me that 2025 was a difficult year for them. I understand.

New Orleans is callin’ our names. A ride on Amtrak and hopefully a nap or two on the journey. My friend Matt B says to be sure to see Preservation Hall. He also told me to drink a beer or two for him. I will do so. Our last visit to New Orleans was in May of 2013, and it was humid and hot. After a few steps, our clothes were wet. I learned I did not want to be encased in a mausoleum after the cemetery guide described what happens to a body in the Louisiana heat in a mausoleum. This time, the weather should be more accommodating.

Seekers, we are on a mission and purpose. We carry our ragged souls and sick bodies toward home. Some of us are walking with walking sticks, while others are in wheelchairs. We have been in the thick of the battle. Beaten but unbowed. A bit bloody about the ears, but in good spirits. After all, we are on our way home.

‘Get On Board,’ Mr. Conductor says. ‘The New 2026 is preparing to disembark,’ Mr. Conductor continued. ‘Old 2025 will be chugging into the station shortly,’ the Conductor said with a mischievous grin. ‘He has seen a lot of living and been places we have not been,’ Clarence Conductor said with a wink. ‘Why, I remember when he was just a baby and full of piss and vinegar,’ CC laughed. ‘Baby 2025 had big ideas and plans for several years, although he only had one year to fulfill his herculean goals,’ Clarence Conductor admonished. ‘Baby 2025’s eyes were bigger than his stomach. He wanted to eat it all and do it all and be all in all,’ Clarence noted with sad eyes. ‘A year goes by so fast, and there is a cacophony of voices calling from the Cheap Seats,’ CC said. ‘Build bigger, some say, while others counsel to save your money,’ Clarence Conductor noted. ‘You have more time than money the crowd yells as others in the audience say tonight thy sould shall be required of thee,’ Clarence said with a whisper. ‘Give us Barabas, the angry throng screams while the Baby of December is sent to the Cross,’ Clarence said as he then played Silent Night on his Tenor Saxophone.

Today was the Great Deconstruction. The Christmas Tree is put up. Santas and Nativities are in their annual hideaway. Big Santa is resting in his cabinet until next November. His Little Buddy is resting with him. The Great Decoration Project took three hours, and the Great Deconstruction took just over one hour. Change is just over the next hill. There is a life of plenty, there is a life of want. There is the fat of the land, there is the Dust Bowl. We will laugh, we will cry.

It is complicated, the young folks say. Getting up and facing the day has challenges. We bring a small armada with us into every skirmish. Our past battles, victories, and defeats walk with us into the New Year. We would second-guess more if we had the time. The mission we should choose to accept is to live the next day with newness and a fresh spirit. We bring one complex person to the performance. The frightened, insecure person of the night and the daydreamer. We are the people who feel small one day and gigantic the next. We hide in the shadows and take big steps into the sun.

‘The New Year will bring us into lives we have not thought about,’ Chet said. ‘Each person is a word, a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire chapter in our life,’ Chet continued. ‘An obscure meeting can change our direction,’ Chet noted. ‘We think we are continuing as the same person we were when we were young, but each interaction with another brings a change in our trajectory,’ Chet smiled. ‘Subtle at first, but growing as we age, we notice where we made a turn on the road back home due to the influence of someone we met,’ Chet mused. ‘These changes become part of our sense of place,’ Chet explained. ‘We are characters in the Grand Production, and each of our parts is vital to the success of the journey,’ Chet said.

‘Parting is so sad until you realize that it is temporary,’ Neva J said. ‘People who are gone are not really gone,’ Neva J continued. ‘They stand in the shadows and behind the door and near the trees of the Woods, watching and waiting for a reunion,’ Neva J noted with a laugh. ‘All of the folks in our lives are still with us,’ Neva J explained.

Pastor Kerry retires at the end of 2025. Two days from now. I did not know him well, but he affected my outlook and my writing. Kerry has such a bright outlook on delivering his sermons and lovely humor that he caused me to rethink my writing. I focus more on stories and feel-good themes with a message. Political decisions made to harm people upset me, and for a few years, I expressed these feelings openly and unapologetically. Pastor Kerry taught me a more compassionate way to write, not knowing that he had. Kerry’s love for children’s stories, which he often reads during a section of our Sunday Service dedicated to children, influenced my writing more in the direction of children’s stories. Kerry will go on to help many others and influence them in positive ways he may not realize.

So the Christmas Weekend is coming to a close. Time keeps on marching. Forever can go by quickly. Days seem long and years short. We set our sails for the troubled sea of 2026. It is not our first voyage. Shall we make resolutions, or shall we live with a sense of place each day? Circumstances change, we do not. Many are introverts. Not all people are people persons. We love humanity; it is the individuals who are challenging. Introverts watch people. They love the interaction that they observe. We are a bit reluctant to participate. After holiday revelry, we must recharge. We introverts have to think and ponder what just happened. There are places for everyone in our hearts, one at a time.

‘Be sure and pack the sunburn protectant,’ SC said. ‘I will be glad to see the beach after the drop in temperature at home,’ SC grinned. ‘It was a successful Christmas by all accounts,’ SC continued. ‘There is so much more to do,’ SC sighed. ‘Let’s take the taller beach chairs, as it is increasingly difficult to sit in the ones that are so near the sand,’ SC laughed. ‘We are getting older, MaMa, and I wonder how much longer we will be able to do what we do,’ SC questioned. ‘My knees hurt, and I have to think about rising from my easy chair,’ SC noted with chagrin. ‘Each year, more of my abilities are leaving me, although I reach and grasp to claw them back,’ SC said. ‘I walked the beach for miles past January. Now I walk slowly and take a lot of photos,’ Santa Claus noted with a benevolent smile. ‘Nevertheless, we will eat Gulf shrimp tonight and watch the peaceful ocean,’ Santa said.

So the end-of-year people gathered. They came from the four corners of the Earth. Some had backpacks while others carried no possessions. Many were reluctant to join the journey with so many diverse people whom they did not know. People from other lands and cultures who dressed and looked different from those they grew up around. The Introverts came with quiet and wide eyes. They watched as many gathered on the road home. The Introverts saw that everyone was helping the person next to them. It seemed that no one was left out. It was good to be a member of the Happy Travelers. What a great club to be a part of! The Happy Travelers or HTs were a diverse and gregarious bunch. Quiet people and those who spoke loudly walked hand in hand. Some had clear eyes, others had cataracts walking arm in arm along the rocky, hilly path. Some had stopped along the route. They were tired and sick, weary of the year-by-year walk toward home. Their feelings were bruised. It seemed they had been left out of the mission. ‘I will sit on the sidelines and watch the parade pass,’ the Introvert said. ‘My abilities are meager, and others see my dearth of resources,’ Mr. Introvert said. ‘Many have more ability and education to address the vagaries of the Path,’ Mr. Introvert noted. ‘My strength is watching and learning,’ Mr. Introvert postulated. ‘2026 is at our doorstep, perhaps it is time for all Introverts to come to the aid of their country,’ Mr. Introvert said with conviction. ‘The challenges of the New Year will require the best of all, including the millions of Introverts, to negotiate the Rock Path Home,’ Mr. Introvert said with a tear in his eye.

So Christmas was wonderful with Jennifer and Lee joining us at the Lake. It was a special time. Our eyes fix on the end of the Old Year and the beginning of the New Year. Each year passes more rapidly than the last. The New Year will be a continuation of our uncharted journey. The mystery of not knowing what is around the next corner is exhilarating and challenging. Life is a Through Line with many changes along the path.

We intend to explore New Orleans in the New Year. We have been there before, but it has been several years. The South fascinates me. The kind greetings and being called ‘Honey’ in restaurants are a refreshing addition to the regularity of life. Southern States have a slower pace that affords time to think about the next step.

Learn how to Mosey is good advice. Mosey is what Jennifer says regarding her exploration of the Woods. Mosey, I understand. Everything does not have to be done in the space of a thirty-minute sitcom. Decisions are not all spontaneous. Success is incremental. Indeed, all success is incremental. The hope of 2026 is rooted in a sense of place.

Keep moving is the key. We are on our way home. Put one foot in front of the other. Moving breeds positive thought. Positive thoughts bring hope and a plan for tomorrow.

‘I think there should be New Year’s gifts as there are Christmas gifts,’ Neva J said. ‘After all, the Advent of Christ’s birth is the beginning of our faith journey,’ Neva J continued. ‘He lives among us now. What are we going to do about it?’ Neva J asked. ‘Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their country, to paraphrase President Kennedy,’ Neva J proclaimed. ‘So many need a helping hand, warm clothes, and something to eat,’ Neva J noted. ‘Christmas is simply only the Beginning, the job and assignment has just begun,’ Neva J laughed. ‘Perhaps we are tired…get up and move,’ Neva J ordered with feeling. ‘We say not me Lord, I am old…act like you are young and take up your cross and follow the Baby,’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes.

It is going to be a warm Christmas. Perhaps a record breaker. The children are nestled all snug in their beds. We wait for the promise. Since our youth, we were taught to believe. As time and chance bring change, we embrace it for its possibilities.

The Christmas Puzzle is ready to be put together. The one thousand pieces are there in random order. What is our role in life and where do we fit in the puzzle? Listen, we do more than speak. By listening and watching, we begin to see the puzzle pieces take their place. The piece that seems necessary is often the key to the puzzle’s answer.

The Old Man walked in the Christmas Woods. The deer walked with him and asked him if he was coming to the Christmas Eve Service. ‘We will have a feast before Christmas,’ Herman said. ‘Now by a feast I mean we are getting pizzas from Dominos as they are on Christmas Eve sale and we all know there will be some belt loosening Christmas Day,’ Herman Deer continued. ‘There will be homemade fudge and Christmas Coffee Cake, Figgy Pudding and pumpkin pie, ‘Herman Deer added. ‘Mr. Badger and Mr. Mole are coming along with Toady and Ratty, and they are coming by boat with Toady manning the mainsail,’ Herman laughed. ‘Next year shall be better, we will live in more peace, we will listen to our hearts and not our wallets,’ Herman promised.

‘I am going to the Christmas Eve Service, it will be Pastor Kerry’s last as he is retiring,’ Chet noted. ‘It will be a marvelous and poigniant affair with poinsettias and Christmas Trees, garland and Christmas Songs,’ Chet said with a big smile. ‘We will sing Silent Night by candlelight,’ Chet observed. ‘Our hearts will be set in peace and place and purpose for the present and the future,’ Chet said. ‘We are fellow travelers and friends who must help each other make the rest of our journey home,’ Chet explained.

‘I see the Star in the eastern sky,’ Wiseman said. ‘We must follow it to where the Baby lies,’ Wiseman said. ‘He will bring peace where there is strife and hope to replace despair,’ Wiseman said with a tear in his eyes. ‘Truth will replace lies and hurtful, mean words meant to destroy people,’ Wiseman said. ‘The hope of all of us comes under the cover of night with a Star to lead the way to a manger in a barn surrounded by sheep and oxen and shepherds to record the event of the Earth,’ Wiseman observed with a look to the Star that was leading him.

‘Come and get your Christmas Quilt,’ Grandma A said. ‘I worked on it back in the Spring to keep you warm and safe in the New Year,’ Grandmas A continued. ‘I prayed for you and thought of you for the coming cold and ice while you enjoyed warm days of spring,’ Grandma A said. ‘Christ has made preparations for us as we travel up the road of life to our home,’ Grandma A promised.

So MJ and the Old Man got out yesterday and acted like big people. What better time than the Christmas Season to enjoy the city at Christmastime? The Fox Theatre was packed to see The Nutcracker Ballet. Arriving a bit early, we stopped into the Theatre’s Resturant Curtain Call, where the kind bartender told me that her specialty was Old Fashioneds. When I joyfully accepted, she asked did I wanted one bitter or two, and I thought in my holiday revelry why not two. She spoke of Christmas shopping and buying 30 Holiday Candles on sale. The Old Man thought… a wise decision.

The Holiday Air is electric in the City at Christmas. Many had their holiday regalia and sparkled. There were selfies all over the house. Ballet is a lovely art. The dancers seem etheral. Soon, we were in another world of dance and dreams. As I saw the lights of the Fox Marguee and the decorations of the City, I was taken aback to Chicago so many years ago when we saw Lady And The Tramp at the Theatre. When we pulled into the parking garage, the attendant asked me if anyone had told me that I looked like the actor Sean Connery. I told him that he was the first.

We were on to Bartolinos for dinner. After a short wait, we enjoyed the best Sicilian Ravioli I have ever had the pleasure of. The Christmas Mood was jubilant in the famous eatery. MJ observed that everyone seemed to know each other. There was live music, and spirits were at their zenith.

MJ Aaron, Jonathon, and the Old Man saw The Nutcracker at Shryock Auditorium over thirty years ago. The performance yesterday must have had over 50 performers. There were many children in the troupe.
What an uplifting experience. What a great Old Fashioned. I must take my bartender’s invitation to return, and she would make me another.